Major League Baseball and MLB Players Association Give Exclusive Licenses to Fanatics, Threatening Topps

MLB is making moves!

For over seven decades, the name Topps has been synonymous with baseball cards, holding a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. However, recent developments have thrown the future of the iconic trading card company into uncertainty. Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have given their exclusive licenses to Fanatics, a move that could potentially reshape the trading card industry as we know it.

The news of this exclusive licensing agreement between Major League Baseball, MLBPA, and Fanatics has sent shockwaves throughout the trading card community. The deal, set to take effect in 2023 for the MLBPA and 2026 for MLB, has raised questions about the future of Topps and its place in the market.

While the terms of the deal remain unclear, sources have indicated that MLB and MLBPA will have an equity stake in the new company that Fanatics is set to establish solely for the production of trading cards. The hiring of StockX founder Josh Luber to lead the new venture further reinforces Fanatics’ commitment to revolutionizing the trading card industry.

The implications of this deal are far-reaching, especially for Mudrick Capital, which recently announced plans to take Topps public in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. With Topps set to lose its licensing rights in the upcoming years, the company faces the challenge of reinventing itself to remain competitive in the market.

The decision by Major League Baseball to award the exclusive rights to Fanatics over Topps underscores the changing dynamics of the trading card industry. Fanatics, with a reported valuation of $18 billion, has emerged as a major player in the sports merchandise market, disrupting traditional business models and expanding into new ventures such as sports betting.

Topps, with its rich history dating back to 1951, has been a cornerstone of the trading card industry, producing iconic cards such as the Mickey Mantle rookie card, which remains one of the most valuable cards in the industry. However, without the backing of MLB and MLBPA licenses, Topps’ future is uncertain.

The decision to grant exclusive licensing rights to Fanatics highlights the growing influence of the sports merchandising giant in the industry. Fanatics’ foray into trading cards signals a new era for the market, one that is likely to bring about significant changes in how trading cards are produced, distributed, and collected.

As the trading card industry continues to evolve, collectors, investors, and fans will be closely watching how this deal between Major League Baseball, MLBPA, and Fanatics unfolds. The legacy of Topps, along with the rich history of trading cards, hangs in the balance as the industry navigates this new chapter.

In conclusion, the exclusive licensing agreement between Major League Baseball, MLBPA, and Fanatics represents a watershed moment in the trading card industry. The implications of this deal are far-reaching, with Topps facing an uncertain future and Fanatics poised to reshape the market. As the trading card industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain – change is on the horizon, and the way we collect and engage with trading cards will never be the same.

Major shift in collectibles market: Fanatics buys Topps trading cards